Author: Rhys Gregory

Traditions run deep in the rolling hills and quiet valleys of rural Wales. Community events, local crafts, and countryside walks have long defined the cultural fabric of these areas. But in recent years, technology has begun to subtly transform the leisure landscape, offering new ways to spend time, connect with others, and even earn money—right from the comfort of home. One of the most noticeable shifts has been the rise of digital hobbies and online entertainment. As broadband infrastructure improves across more remote parts of Wales, people who once relied solely on traditional pastimes are discovering a wide range of…

Virtual reality has been around for almost a decade now, but it’s barely had an impact on the mainstream. As the technology advances, many experts expect it to be the next major change to how people experience the online world. With countless innovative tech companies rising up in Wales, the country could soon become the VR hub for the UK. Various Industries in UK Striving for Greater Immersion Various industries in the UK have long been striving for greater immersion, with the entertainment industry making the greatest steps forward. Online casino developers, for instance, want to make players feel as…

MOTchecker is a London-based company founded in 2019 by Clinton Brewill to provide UK drivers with unlimited access to the latest MOT information. Starting as a small niche website, MOTchecker has become one of the most comprehensive sources on the topic over the years. The team behind MOTchecker relies on its advanced systems that pull data from multiple authoritative sources and enable users to get all the information they need neatly packed into a single user-friendly page.  “We always place an emphasis on increasing accessibility, which is why we came up with MOTchecker in the first place. Why visit multiple…

During the May half term, we had the pleasure of visiting the Welsh Mountain Zoo, perched above Colwyn Bay in North Wales. Nestled within 37 acres of beautiful green countryside, the zoo boasts panoramic views of both the coastline and the Carneddau mountains – a truly breathtaking setting. Despite it being our first time visiting, I can confidently say it lives up to its name. It really is a zoo on a mountain, with all the natural beauty you’d expect from such a location. The setting alone is worth the trip. Getting There & First Impressions Getting to the zoo…

The rescue of a pony and her foal has been successful in Ebbw Vale after concerns were raised about their welfare. The mare and her foal were recently found in the Brynmawr area and sadly were found alongside two dead ponies. They had strayed into private land, but were believed to be from the nearby commons. The RSPCA were notified on 9 May and attended that day, and were able to pull together a small team who were there until dark. However due to the conditions and the need for specialist equipment due to the unhandled nature of the ponies…

Debt and equity funding totalling £152 million from the Development Bank of Wales helped 502 businesses to create and safeguard 6,185 jobs across Wales during 2024/25. 82% of these businesses were classed as micro. The record figures have been released today (Wednesday 28 May 2025) by the Development Bank of Wales for the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. It brings the total amount invested in SME businesses and property developers by the Development Bank since its launch in 2017 to £958 million. With core objectives to facilitate an entrepreneurial culture, support financial inclusion and prioritise social…

Visitors to beautiful beaches across Swansea and Gower are being urged to join a voluntary ban on flying rings to protect seals living around the coast. The cute and inquisitive creatures have made their home on rocky outcrops around Gower, but their lives are put at risk by the discarded doughnut-shaped flying rings which can snare them round their necks. Swansea Council has already been working with Gower Seal Group, local schools and businesses on Gower to promote the ban after passing a notice of motion that aims to see an end to the use of the rings anywhere near…

Caerphilly County Borough Council has announced that the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach will serve as the host venue for the 2025 Six Nations Women’s Summer Series. The prestigious international tournament will take place over three match days: Saturday 5th, Friday 11th and Thursday 17th July 2025. The Summer Series features predominantly under-20 squads from all Six Nations unions: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. With each team permitted to include up to five under-23 players per matchday squad.  The event provides a vital platform for the next generation of rugby stars to compete at international level.…

Rev your engines as the Classic Car Show returns to Rhondda Heritage Park Museum on 28th June. The event offers a fantastic time for all the family, with the chance to see pristine classic cars and meet their enthusiastic and knowledgeable owners. It all takes place on Saturday, June 28th, 10am – 4pm. The event is, as always, held in association with Glamorgan Classic Car Club. Entry is £5.50 per adult, £4.50 per child with free entry for children aged 5 and under. Cllr Bob Harris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said: The Classic…

Four more public access defibrillators have been installed in Cardiff city centre. The installation of the new life-saving equipment brings the total number of defibrillators in key city centre locations to nine. The latest installations are the result of a collaboration between Cardiff Council’s City Centre Management Team, Save a Life Cymru – the national programme to improve cardiac arrest survival in Wales through CPR and defibrillator awareness, and Wates, the national developer contractor company partnering with the Council to deliver new council homes across the city. Residents, visitors, and workers in the city centre will now have quicker access…